TutorMe is an online tutoring platform launched in 2015. It connects students to tutors 24/7 in hundreds of subjects. TutorMe aims to improve learning by giving students one-on-one help anytime. The company was co-founded by Myles Hunter (USC alum) and others in 2015. In 2022, TutorMe was acquired by GoGuardian and rebranded as Pear Deck Tutor.
Today, it serves K-12 and college students, offering live tutoring plus a Writing Lab for paper review. This article covers TutorMe reviews, pricing, alternatives, and more in 2025.
TutorMe Reviews and Testimonials
TutorMe is generally viewed as a helpful tutoring service. It has many positive ratings on user review sites. BestCompany shows 255 user reviews with a 4.7/5 star rating. Reviewers praise its wide subject coverage and fast tutor help. For example, one parent said “TutorMe is a wonderful resource… help with assignments in a timely fashion”. Another student said, “I have been using them for two years… happy with the tutors who helped me.”. Parents like that tutors are responsive and good with kids.
- Positive feedback: Many users call TutorMe a great tool. They note tutors are well-prepared and helpful. Sessions (live or paper review) get high marks.
- Mixed reviews: Some students warn about price or billing issues. One customer reported being charged $69 after a “free” trial. TutorMe replied and issued a refund. In surveys, most complaints are about cost or communication, not tutoring quality.
Is TutorMe legit? Yes. TutorMe is a real company with a solid track record. It is backed by investors and bought by reputable edtech firm GoGuardian in 2022. It operates internationally through school contracts. It is listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB reports TutorMe provides “24/7 online tutoring to students ranging from kindergarten through graduate school”. The business has a B- rating (not accredited) due to one unresolved complaint, but otherwise no major red flags. Overall, users find TutorMe to be a legitimate service for academic help.
Summary of Reviews: In summary, TutorMe’s reviews are mostly positive. Users like the ease of getting help anytime and the expertise of tutors. People often mention high-quality tutors and quick matching. The main downsides mentioned are cost and refund issues. On balance, customers say TutorMe “helps students improve grades” and is a “great resource”.
TutorMe Pricing
Pricing Range
TutorMe offers flexible pricing for on-demand tutoring. You can pay per session or buy monthly hours. According to sources, packages range from about $26 up to $60 per hour. For example, a 2025 comparison lists TutorMe plans starting at $26/hour. A 2017 review noted a pay-as-you-go rate of $1 per minute ($60/hour) and package deals like $39/month for 1 hour or $119/month for 4 hours. In practice, TutorMe’s current plans often work out around $26–30 per hour, which is mid-range in the tutoring market.
What Students Say About Pricing
Students have mixed views on TutorMe’s cost. Some find it reasonable for 24/7 access to expert help. One user said TutorMe is “cheap if you do your payment pay as you go”. Another noted the value of 24/7 help. However, many reviews mention that TutorMe is not the cheapest option. A tech review in 2017 called it “costly” and only mid-priced compared to alternatives. In BestCompany feedback, a customer complained of hidden $70 charges. Overall, students often say TutorMe is convenient but caution that hours add up. Comparing with peers, TutorMe is roughly in the middle: more expensive than peer-to-peer tutoring sites but cheaper than high-end private tutors.
Hidden Costs
Some users report unexpected fees. For example, one customer said they were charged after a “free” trial they never used. TutorMe’s support said this was a mistake and refunded it. There have been a few complaints about billing errors. TutorMe’s official policy is not clearly public, but it seems to offer refunds on request (as shown by the example refund note). Watch for expiration of unused minutes: another user was upset that unused time expired. In short, always check your account for any leftover hours or trial periods.
How TutorMe’s Pricing Works
TutorMe’s plans are often sold as bundles of session hours. You can also pay per minute in “pay-as-you-go” mode. Packages may auto-renew monthly. TutorMe’s site or the school platform will show how many minutes or hours you have. Tutors get paid hourly or per minute behind the scenes; the student just uses credit. In college packages (per research site), TutorMe focuses on one-on-one sessions customized to student needs. For example, a school might buy 100 hours of tutoring time for its students to share.
Free Trial
Does TutorMe offer a free trial? Officially there might be short trial sessions (like 30 minutes) when you sign up. A user review mentioned a “free 30 minute trial” that unexpectedly led to a full charge. We did not find a clear policy online. Likely some initial time is free or low-cost, but read the terms. If you sign up, see if the site (or your school’s platform) gives any trial credit. And after a session, confirm your balance to catch any trial that was supposed to be free.
Refund Policy
TutorMe’s refund policy is not prominently posted online. From user reports, it seems refunds are handled case-by-case. In one BestCompany review, a user reported being charged $69 in error and TutorMe promptly issued a full refund. Another reviewer on MyEngineeringBuddy (an alternate site) praised timely refunds in case of issues, though that is for a different platform.
In general, if TutorMe overcharges you or cancels a session, contact support immediately. Given its BBB profile note and the quick refund in the above review, TutorMe appears willing to correct billing mistakes. Students advise saving receipts and using help channels if needed.
TutorMe Alternatives
There are many online tutoring sites besides TutorMe. Common alternatives include:
- My Engineering Buddy: Focuses on engineering and technical subjects. It offers 1-on-1 tutoring, homework help, and test prep. It serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Gulf countries. It has a 4.8/5 user rating from reviews and many 5-star comments about homework help. Unlike TutorMe, which covers all subjects, My Engineering Buddy specializes in engineering fields.
- Varsity tutors: A U.S.-based platform with thousands of tutors. It has a rigorous tutor vetting process (accepting only top applicants). Varsity offers 1:1 sessions, group classes, and on-demand help. Prices start around $60/hour. Students like its personalized learning and variety of programs.
- Wyzant: A tutoring marketplace where students pick tutors directly. Wyzant has many tutors (in 300+ subjects). Tutors set their own rates, which can range widely. Wyzant highlights personalized matching and reviews from past students. It is used mainly in the U.S.
- Preply: An international platform, mainly for language learning. Students choose tutors (often native speakers) for one-on-one lessons. Preply emphasizes its “Preply Classroom” tools (whiteboard, video, chat) and test prep. Pricing is lower (tutors from $15/hour). It’s popular for learning languages like English, Spanish, etc.
- iTalki: Another global language tutoring site. Learners can pick teachers or community tutors at flexible scheduling. Prices start around $10/hour. iTalki has a community for language exchange as well. It’s mostly for languages, not general subjects.
- Tutor.com: A U.S. tutoring service (by Princeton Review). It offers live help 24/7 in many subjects. Plans start at ~$39.99/hour. It is used by many colleges and libraries. Tutor.com provides a similar online “whiteboard” lesson space to TutorMe.
- Studypool: A Q&A-style site where students pay small fees to get homework questions answered. It’s less personal (you post a question, get bids). TutorMe is more 1-on-1 live help, whereas Studypool is more like on-demand answers.
Each alternative has pros and cons. For example, MyEngineeringBuddy focuses on engineering, Varsity and Wyzant let you hand-pick your tutor, and Preply/iTalki focus on languages. TutorMe stands out by offering 24/7 access and institutional partnerships. If you need help in STEM fields, MyEngineeringBuddy or Varsity might be good. For languages, Preply or iTalki are cheaper. But if you want guaranteed live help any time in many subjects, TutorMe (Pear Deck Tutor) is a strong choice.
How It Works
For Students
Students use TutorMe by logging into the platform (often via their school’s portal). Then they click “Find a Tutor” and choose a subject. They can type a question or upload their assignment. The system quickly matches them to an available tutor. In under a minute on average, a tutor joins the session. Then the student and tutor work together online with video chat, voice, text chat, and a shared whiteboard. TutorMe’s “Lesson Space” lets both sides write and draw. The student can see the tutor’s screen, or vice versa, to solve problems. After the session, the student rates the tutor. All tutoring is one-on-one, so the student has full attention. Each session is recorded in a transcript and the student can ask follow-up questions via the Writing Lab if needed.
- Login to TutorMe (via school or direct).
- Click “Connect with a Live Tutor” and pick a subject.
- Describe your help needed or upload work.
- The platform matches you to a tutor in seconds:
- Work live with the tutor using video, audio, chat, and the whiteboard.
- Get help with homework, concepts, or writing feedback.
- Optionally, submit a paper to the asynchronous Writing Lab for feedback in <12 hours.
- At session end, rate your tutor and leave feedback.
For Tutors
Tutors apply on the TutorMe (Pear Deck Tutor) website. Applicants need a strong background in their subject. Typically tutors have at least a bachelor’s degree (some hold advanced degrees) and a record of good grades. Many tutors are current university students or graduates in STEM or liberal arts fields. TutorMe vets each tutor: background checks, reviews of credentials, and a training process align to college-level tutoring standards. Once accepted, a tutor creates a profile with their subjects.
- How to become a tutor: Fill out the online application on the TutorMe website. Provide your resume, transcripts or certificates, and possibly a teaching demo. Make sure you show subject mastery. If accepted, you will onboard and train with TutorMe’s system. (TutorMe’s parent site now directs tutors to Pear Deck/TutorMe job listings.)
- Qualifications: Applicants usually need teaching/tutoring experience or coursework in their subject. One guide says 78% of TutorMe tutors have advanced degrees. The company picks top candidates (it had ~4% acceptance rate according to one 2017 source).
- Pay: Tutors set their hourly rate during signup, but often earn around the recommended rate. An estimate says TutorMe tutors make about $19 per hour. Payment is by direct deposit twice a month. (Side note: several tutor reviews mention the pay is low for the work involved.)
- Working: Tutors log in and see pending student requests. They click to accept a student when free. Each session is one-on-one in the online lesson space. After sessions, tutors are also rated by students. This rating affects future job opportunities.
- FAQ: Common questions: Is teaching schedule flexible? Yes, tutors set their own hours. What if I have a bad session? If a student complains, the session might be removed from your stats. Who pays me? TutorMe pays via direct deposit after each pay period.
TutorMe: Company Information
Founding & Mission: TutorMe was co-founded in 2015 by Myles Hunter and others. They started it at USC because they saw a need for late-night tutoring. Myles Hunter says the mission was to ensure no student feels alone in learning. They wanted to create an equitable playing field for all students. Today TutorMe (now Pear Deck Tutor) strives to provide high-quality one-on-one help anytime students need it.
Company Facts: TutorMe is based in Los Angeles with CEO Myles Hunter. It has over 10,000 tutors in its network and has helped hundreds of thousands of students. It connects with schools, colleges, and employers to deliver tutoring through platforms like Canvas or direct contracts. In June 2022, GoGuardian (an educational software company) acquired TutorMe. Since then, TutorMe services have been integrated under GoGuardian/Pear Deck’s suite, now called “Pear Deck Tutor”. TutorMe’s offerings include 24/7 subject tutoring and a Writing Lab for essay feedback.
Mission & Vision: The founders envision closing learning gaps by giving all students access to tutors. They see TutorMe as a step toward educational equity. TutorMe’s vision is that anytime a student is stuck, TutorMe will have an expert ready. Its resources (live tutors, coding help, math help, writing reviews) are meant to improve grades and confidence for diverse learners.
Unique Selling Points (USP): Key strengths of TutorMe are:
- Around-the-clock help: Tutoring is 24/7 in 300+ subjects. This is rare; students can get help late at night or weekends.
- Vetted tutors: Every tutor is vetted. For example, Seattle Central College notes TutorMe’s tutors have strong credentials (78% hold advanced degrees) and training. Pear Deck Tutor now states all 2,500+ tutors have at least a bachelor’s and many have advanced degrees.
- High-quality platform: The interactive lesson space supports video, audio, chat, code editor, and whiteboard. The user interface gets good marks for matching students quickly (<30 seconds).
- Writing Lab: TutorMe includes an asynchronous writing feedback service. Students can upload essays and get detailed feedback within hours.
- Institutional integration: Many schools subscribe to TutorMe, so it is often free for those students. Being part of Pear Deck means it integrates with educational software (like Canvas or Schoology) for easy access.
Drawbacks: Some limitations of TutorMe are:
- Cost: As noted, TutorMe can be expensive for extensive use. One reviewer said cost was the only real drawback. Schools often pay, but individual students pay per session or subscription. Competing platforms (e.g. volunteer sites or cheaper platforms) may undercut TutorMe’s rates.
- No face-to-face: All tutoring is online. Some students miss in-person tutoring. However, TutorMe tries to mimic it with video and whiteboard.
- Billing issues: A few users report unclear billing, like being charged after a trial. This seems to be exceptions rather than the rule, as TutorMe resolved complaints by refund.
- Tutor pay concerns: (Not a student complaint, but noted in instructor reviews) TutorMe pays tutors moderately (around $16–19/hr). This sometimes means tutors leave or complain, affecting continuity of service.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a tutoring platform focused on engineering and science subjects. Compared to TutorMe:
- Subject focus: MEB mainly serves engineering courses (like EE, ME, CIV, etc.), while TutorMe covers almost any subject (math, science, humanities, test prep, etc.).
- Geography: TutorMe is based in the US and often provided through US schools. MEB, though founded in India, markets globally to students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries.
- Tutors: Both claim vetted tutors. TutorMe’s typical tutor is a U.S. college graduate. MEB hires “top tutors” (often Indian-educated) for technical subjects.
- Reviews & Use: TutorMe is widely used in K-12 and higher ed with million+ sessions logged. MEB is smaller but growing, with very positive reviews (4.8/5) from its users.
- Pricing: TutorMe’s pricing is on par with U.S. tutoring rates. MEB’s rates are typically lower (reflecting different tutor costs), and MEB advertises prompt refunds and 24/7 support as selling points.
In sum, TutorMe is a generalist platform geared for U.S. students and schools, while My Engineering Buddy is a niche global player for engineering students. Students in engineering might try both and pick by price and timing; many others use TutorMe for any subject.
Customer Support and Policies
TutorMe offers online support through its Help Center (now Pear Deck support). Students and tutors can contact the company via email or help tickets. There is no phone support listed publicly. According to some user comments, TutorMe’s support team is generally responsive. For example, a reviewer said TutorMe “responds promptly” to feedback. After issues like billing errors, TutorMe appears willing to fix them (as seen in the refunded $69 charge).
We did not find any major policy issues; no lawsuits or regulator alerts appear related to TutorMe. The company follows standard data privacy rules (it is part of GoGuardian, which has public privacy policies). Overall, customer support is primarily online (help desk/chat) and policies are similar to other edtech platforms.
Global Reach and Localization
TutorMe serves students worldwide in English. Its main market is the United States (through U.S. K-12 and college partnerships). However, because it is online, students in other countries can use it if they pay or if their school provides access. Unlike some platforms, TutorMe does not advertise multilingual support; the site and tutors are primarily English-speaking.
Localization is mainly through school integrations (e.g. American schools embed TutorMe in their learning platforms). Meanwhile, My Engineering Buddy explicitly lists service in Gulf countries and others. TutorMe’s office is in L.A., and it is known to work with around 150 school districts (per one source). Global outreach is more via internet access than multiple language interfaces. If you need tutoring in languages other than English, you might use a platform like Preply or iTalki instead.
TutorMe’s Future Plans and AI Initiatives
No official announcements were found on AI features specifically in TutorMe. However, the industry trend is clear: tutoring platforms are exploring AI and new tech. TutorMe has tested advanced tools: a 2017 article said they were working on integrating Virtual Reality (VR) tutoring linked to school LMS. It is likely TutorMe (as part of Pear Deck/GoGuardian) will investigate AI in the future. For example, many online learning companies are adding chatbots or AI tutors (like Khanmigo from Khan Academy). As of 2025, TutorMe/Pear Deck Tutor uses data analytics to improve match-making and may in the future add AI hints or automated question-solving.
- Current projects: In 2017 TutorMe looked into VR integration for schools. They may be exploring similar high-tech tutoring aids.
- AI trend: While no TutorMe AI tutor is public, we know the field is moving that way. GoGuardian, TutorMe’s parent, invests in education tech, so AI tools (like smart quizzes or an AI homework helper) could come.
- Possible future: We may see TutorMe add AI-powered features like automated hint systems, smart scheduling, or adaptive learning paths. This would match industry trends of “AI tutors” mentioned in education market reports.
FAQs About TutorMe
- Is TutorMe legit and safe to use? Yes. TutorMe (now Pear Deck Tutor) is a real, established service used by schools and universities. It is owned by GoGuardian and has been around since 2015. It is rated positively by many users. The BBB lists it as an active business with a B- rating. Overall it is considered trustworthy.
- How much does TutorMe cost? TutorMe pricing depends on the plan. Individual pay-as-you-go tutoring is roughly $26/hour and up (older reports say up to $60/hr). Monthly packages bundle hours (e.g. $39 for 1 hour or $119 for 4 hours, per a 2017 example). Schools often buy bulk hours. If you have institutional access, it may be free to you. Otherwise, you pay per session or via a subscription plan.
- Does TutorMe offer a free trial? TutorMe may offer an initial trial session (around 30 minutes) to new users. However, users report mixed experiences. One person said their “free trial” turned into a $69 charge (which was later refunded). The best advice is to check the terms or ask support before your first session.
- What is TutorMe’s refund policy? TutorMe does not publish a simple refund policy online. In practice, if you are charged incorrectly (for example, after a trial you didn’t use), TutorMe can refund you. A review shows they gave a full refund when asked. If you encounter billing or service issues, contact TutorMe support right away for a resolution.
- How do I become a Tutor on TutorMe? Visit the TutorMe or Pear Deck Tutor careers site and find the tutor application. You will need to submit credentials (degree, transcripts) and pass a background check. TutorMe looks for college graduates or students with strong subject expertise. If accepted, you can teach the subjects you know and earn about $19 per hour on average.
- What subjects can I get help in? TutorMe offers help in over 300 subjects. This includes math, science, languages, business, coding, test prep, writing, and more. Whether you need calculus help or essay feedback, TutorMe has tutors in that area. They also cover many college and high school courses. Basically, if you have a class, you can likely find a TutorMe tutor for it.
- Is TutorMe better than free resources? TutorMe is a paid service, so it is different from free sites. Free resources (like Khan Academy or discussion forums) are great for self-study. TutorMe offers live personal help, which free sites don’t. If you need interactive tutoring or quick answers from an expert, TutorMe is better. If you prefer to learn on your own at zero cost, you might use free videos or forums. Some students use TutorMe after trying free resources or when they need that human touch.
- Does TutorMe work for college or just K-12? TutorMe works for both. It serves K-12 schools and many colleges/universities. College students often use it for difficult courses or writing help. The interface is the same; you just pick college-level subjects. TutorMe says they have helped “more than half a million students” including college and grad students.
- What is TutorMe’s Writing Lab? The Writing Lab is a feature where students submit essays or reports for feedback. A tutor reviews the writing and gives comments in a few hours (often under 12 hours). This service is separate from live tutoring. It helps improve writing structure, grammar, and argumentation. Many users find it useful for essays and research papers.
- Can I schedule sessions or is it only instant help? TutorMe is primarily on-demand: students log in and find a tutor immediately. There is no scheduling needed for live help (you just click “connect”). However, some schools allow scheduled sessions or office hours. For the Writing Lab, you can “schedule” by submitting your paper and waiting for the reply. In general, if you want instant help, TutorMe is set up for that 24/7.
Conclusion
TutorMe (Pear Deck Tutor) is a 24/7 online tutoring service that connects students with expert tutors in hundreds of subjects. Its strengths are instant access, qualified tutors, and a rich set of tools (video, whiteboard, writing feedback). Reviews show it is generally well-liked for helping students succeed, though price can be an issue. In 2025, TutorMe operates under GoGuardian and offers competitive services in the education market. Students and parents should weigh its cost against the benefit of on-demand, one-on-one help.
For many, the convenience and quality make TutorMe a worthwhile investment in learning. Ultimately, TutorMe is a legitimate option for extra help with coursework, and there are solid alternatives if its model doesn’t fit. With ongoing tech trends, TutorMe is expected to continue updating its platform (possibly with AI tools) to stay at the forefront of online tutoring.